Friday 3rd November 2023

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marvelled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:24,25 NKJV

Lord God,

End of this Bible story and they all were safe. Breathe. But there was a lot of fear and not understanding getting trouble doing what He asked them to do. First the fishermen were afraid of the wild water. Well Lord, they knew how serious storms could be. But then they were afraid of, and marvelled at Jesus Himself. From being in jeopardy of loosing the boat and worse still drowning, to being in fearful awe of a man who could sleep through a storm and speak to control nature.

I would have been exactly the same, terrified! I would have wondered who on earth this person was who could tell the weather off and command it to stop right away. And they questioned who He was among themselves even though he was right there with them.

Sometimes we go from extreme worry to still because of Your intervention and are overawed. Sometimes we have to battle through a storm of life for a long time. And sometimes we have to wait till it naturally abates. Like the actual storms battering the UK at the moment.

Help us to have faith that You are always in the boat and in the storm with us. If it helps send other disciples to encourage us. Sometimes we need to come together to ask for Your help. Grant us the assurance of Your presence and when it looks dark or stormy the promise that You will hold us fast.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord God,

We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and source of peace today.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For safety where there are fireworks and bonfires. For our fire service and emergency services.
Again for all those physically working on the seas. Cargo ships away from home for long periods, little fishing vessels trying to earn a living. Ferries, passenger ships and lifeboats. Let them not be in any peril. Those in bad weather and their families praying for their safe return.
For safety as people prepare for bonfire night at home or for public displays.
Bless all those affected by the storms this week. And help the storm blow itself out to calm.
For ourselves, still any storms in our family and lead us beside quiet waters and restore our souls (Psalm 23:2).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 3rd November 2023
Beautiful old hymn updated with new melody.

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast

Lyrics: Ada Ruth Habershon 1906
Tune: Matt Merker 2013

Thurs 2nd November 2023

“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”” Luke 8:22-24 NKJV

Master, Lord, God,

I have stopped at perishing for a couple of reasons Lord. Sometimes it seems to only be movies that have happy endings, life is not always like that. But here we know that this storm episode did have a happy if unusual ending. They were in real jeopardy. Perishing is worse than dying it leaves no hope for the future.

Sometimes I hear myself over exaggerating my situation and I do confess, as You already know, it is sometimes for a little sympathy. An excuse for a little personal pity party. We can all feel sorry for ourselves and sometimes justifiably! When trouble has passed or not arrived I am a little embarrassed. But our fear is our fear and it is real at the time. Sometimes it is not trivial. Help us to see when we are just feeling sorry for ourselves or when we need to ask for others to pray with us and find a sympathetic ear!

Here You had ask them to do something simple for fishermen. Cross the lake in a boat. Easy peasy – till something goes wrong. Life happens. Sometimes You do seem to be oblivious to the storms we are in the middle of. They were in real jeopardy. Other versions use danger or great danger. Jeopardy, the danger of loss, harm or failure. Exactly. Help us to know when we are, or feel in jeopardy, that You are there, fully awake, with the authority to speak peace. Whether that be through an experience, in a problem, difficulty, time of loss, failure or even death itself. Our ever present help, You neither slumber or sleep (Psalm 121).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Master, Lord, God,

We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and source of peace today. Touch those who need healing.
For our Government and our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation, to know Your wisdom and act upon it.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for miracles, ceasefire and room to bring about an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For schools now back into the busy term running up to Christmas. May Your nativity be the focal point of planning for their Christmas celebrations.
For all those physically working on the seas. Cargo ships away from home for long periods, little fishing vessels trying to earn a living. Ferries, passenger ships and lifeboats. Let them not be in any peril.
For ourselves, for our days needs. For Your calm where we are going through real weather storms, emotional storms or if trouble as they say is rocking our boat.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thurs 2nd Nov 2023
My Jesus my Saviour. Comfort, shelter, tower of refuge and strength! Need him in the storm and the calm . . .

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Lyrics: Darlene Zschech 

Wed 1st November 2023

 Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20 So he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 NET

“ “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”” Mark 3:31-35

God, Who we call Father,

At first read it seems that Jesus is being rude to his family. But You wanted us to know that Your family is not defined by genes! A Jew is someone born to a Jewish mother. A Christian is not a person born to a Christian mother! Children have to find their own faith. Baptising a baby does not make them a Christian, it does bless them and bring them into the family of God where they can be loved and cherished and told about Jesus Your Son. Choosing Christ, and joining Your family in Christ entitles us to take the name of Christian – belonging to Christ.

I like Luke’s version best. He does not separate His natural family from the family of disciples. They are included if they too hear the word of God and put it into practice.

Hear and do. Makes it seem simple. How can it be any other way? We hear the gospel, we receive God’s grace. God’s riches at Christs expense. We want to do what He says. We need to find a family of like minded people, worshipping You, God, and learning from the Bible. Church at its best. No wonder the rest of the world feels threatened by us, mocks us and calls us do good’ers! Faith and works, hear and do.

Thank you. Help us to love our own family and our Christian family. We are a mixed bunch. And help us to love those outside, into the family of Christ.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God our Father,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and provided today.
For our town to provide employment and housing and all society needs to be healthy and good.
For our local council and MP’s to be encouraged to do their best.
For our King and His family to be blessed and follow You and serve this nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war. For the world to work to help promote peace.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For all the bad news we have heard. That You would be there, a God of present help and comfort.
For ourselves, for our days needs and the blessing of Your Word, Your people and Your love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wed 1st November 2023
I pray that You have found a church fellowship that are like family or that You are helping them become one.

Welcome to the family
We’re glad that you have come
To share your life with us
As we grow in love and
May we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
To be strong and to lean on

May we learn to love each other
More with each new day
May words of love be on our lips
In everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
And teach us how to pray
That we might be a true family

Lyrics: Ernie Rettino.
Psalty Praise 3.